Suspended ceiling grid structure including cross tees with detailed measurement indicia

ABSTRACT

A marking system incorporated into a cross runner for use in a suspended grid structure extending within a walled enclosure, the grid structure supporting a plurality of ceiling tiles. A plurality of main runners are suspended from a ceiling of the enclosure in parallel, spaced apart and elongated extending fashion. Each of the main runners define, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending from the support lip, a plurality of elongated channels further being formed through first and second opposite faces of the web at axially spaced apart intervals and between first and second ends. A plurality of interconnecting wall angles are secured to selected surfaces of the walled enclosure, each of the wall angles having an elongated body which includes, in cross section, a first side and a second side extending from an interconnecting edge with the first side. A plurality of cross runners extend between a selected wall angle and a selected main runner, each of the cross runners defining, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending in substantially perpendicular fashion from a midpoint of the support lip. At least one of first and second connector clips extend from associated first and second ends of each of the cross runners. A marking indicia is applied at selected intervals along each of the cross runners and is capable of identifying, upon positioning of the cross runner, a correct linear and measured distance between the selected main runner and selected wall angle, an end portion of said cross runner capable of being sectioned prior to inserting engagement of a selected and remaining connector clip with the selected main runner and abutting engagement of the sectioned end portion with the wall angle.

BACKGROUND OF THE PRESENT INVENTION

[0001] 1. Cross Reference to Related Applications

[0002] The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/753,508, filed Jan. 3, 2001, for a Suspended Ceiling Grid Structure with Main Runners Incorporating Coded Matching Indicia for Receiving Cross Runners in Desired Spaced Apart Fashion, as well as a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No. 09/814,534, filed Mar. 22, 2001, for a Wall Angle for Use in a Suspended Ceiling Grid Structure and Including Multi-Purpose Measurement Indicia.

[0003] 2. Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates generally to suspended ceiling grid structures and, more particularly, to cross tees exhibiting linear measurement markings and for use in a grid structure. The cross tees may be used with both main runners incorporating spaced apart receiving apertures designated by a specified coding system, as well as any other conventional type of suspended grid system.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0005] Suspended structures for creating ceiling grids are fairly well known in the art, the concept behind such structures being to provide suspended support for ceiling tiles. The suspended grid structure includes a plurality of spaced apart and parallel extending main runners, as well as a plurality of cross extending and interconnecting runners commercially known as 2 foot tees and 4 foot tees. Ceiling tiles are typically rectangular shaped and acoustically insulating in nature and are supported around a perimeter defined by the interconnecting main and cross runners so as to function to recreate a uniform and “dropped” ceiling appearance to an interior enclosure, such enclosures including commercial building interiors as well as basement ceilings in residential dwellings.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 4,677,802, issued to Vukmanic, discloses one known arrangement of suspended ceiling system and runner and which is characterized by each of the runners being composed of a first member and a cap member. The first member is bent to form an inverted T-bar configuration with a groove extending inwardly from the flange of the T and the cap member having the same configuration and being secured on the flange of the T-bar configuration to form a channel with flange portions on each side for supporting panels of the ceiling system.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 4,712,350, also issued to Vukmanic, discloses a centering arrangement for T members of a suspended ceiling for holding a plurality of panels supported by the runners in a desired position on the flanges of the runners. The centering arrangement includes a bump extending from each side of a cross sectional web profile of the runner, the bump being formed in the web immediately adjacent a cut in the runner so that the drawing of the material into the bump will not draw material from the flange or adjacent thereto. The bump shape is preferably “half-moon” or semi-circular in configuration and so that it provides a smooth camming surface for both lateral movement of the panel along the flange as well as vertical movement towards the flange.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 4,525,973, again issued to Vukmanic, teaches a suspended ceiling system again teaching main runners and cross runners which are inter-engageable to define a rectangular grid system. Suitably configured and elongated apertures are formed in the webbed profile of the main runners in axially spaced apart fashion and which receive an appropriately configured connecting end of selected cross runners and so that the cross runners are engaged to the main runner in mutually engaging fashion and on opposite sides thereof. Additional examples of suspended ceiling grid systems are illustrated by the likes of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,470,239, issued to Sauer, 4,727,703, issued to Platt, and 5,839,246, issued to Ziegler.

Summary of the Present Invention

[0009] The present invention is a measurement system incorporated into a cross runner for use in a grid structure supporting a plurality of ceiling tiles. The measurement system ensuring proper alignment of cross runners with respect to selected parallel spaced apart main runners and spaced and parallel extending wall angle secured to selected wall surface locations within a room enclosure supporting the grid structure.

[0010] Specifically, the measurement system according to the present invention enables quick and efficient measurement of a remaining distance between an outer-most extending main runner and an associated wall angle and installation of the cross runner, or cross tee, upon establishing the remaining lineal distance. In view of the desire to center the main runners, to the extent possible, from the center of the room, it is predictable that the outer most or peripheral locations of the grid structure will yield opposite, and desiredly comparable, dimensions which are less than the standard two foot or four foot running lengths of the cross members. Heretofore, a shortcoming in the prior art has been the expenditure of valuable time, particularly on the part of the professional installer, to correctly measure and then section portions of each of individual cross runners, in succession, and prior to installation between the selected main runner and wall angle.

[0011] A plurality of main runners are suspending from a ceiling by hanger wires and in parallel, spaced apart and elongated extending fashion. Each of the main runners defines, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending from the support lip. A plurality of elongated channels are formed through first and second opposite faces of the main runner web at axially spaced apart intervals and between a first end and a second end.

[0012] A plurality of interconnecting wall angles are secured to selected surfaces of the walled enclosure. Each of the wall angles provides an elongated body which includes, in cross section, a first side and a second side extending from an interconnecting edge with said first side.

[0013] A plurality of cross runners extend between the main runners at spaced increments and each also defines, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending in substantially perpendicular fashion from a midpoint of the support lip. First and second connector clips extend from associated first and second ends of each of the cross runners.

[0014] A marking indicia is applied at selected intervals along each of the cross runners and is capable of identifying, upon positioning of the cross runner by the user, a correct linear and measured distance between the outer most extending and selected main runner and associated wall angle. As described previously, the outermost dimensions are desiredly less than an overall and standard running length of the cross runner (whether 2′ or 4′), and an end portion of the cross runner is sectioned off, typically by a pair of conventional aviation snips or other suitable tool, after visual measurement of the distance by the installer using the cross member, and prior to inserting engagement of a selected and remaining connector clip with the selected main runner and abutting engagement of the sectioned end portion with the wall angle.

[0015] The preferred embodiment further contemplates the marking indicia including a first linear marking at a center point of each of the cross runners. Additional linear markings are provided at every six inch, and preferably every three inch, increment from the center point and towards each of the first and second ends of the cross runner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Reference will now be made to the attached drawings, when read in combination with the following detailed description, wherein like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the several views, and in which:

[0017]FIG. 1 is an environmental view illustrating a drop ceiling grid structure, and such as is provided by the marking system according to the present invention;

[0018]FIG. 2 is an exploded view in section of a main runner and opposing pairs of engageable cross runners according to the marking system of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 3 is a plan view illustrating a first side of a selected main runner and exhibiting a first variation of marking indicia according to the present invention;

[0020]FIG. 4 is a plan view illustrating a second side of the selected main runner shown in FIG. 3 and exhibiting a second variation of marking indicia according to the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 5 is a sectional view of a second variation of the marking indicia and illustrating adhesively securable appliques according to the present invention;

[0022]FIG. 6 is an exploded view in perspective of a selected cross tee with detailed measurement indicia and which is installed between a selected main runner and wall angle according to the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 7 is a plan view of a two foot cross tee exhibiting measurement indicia markings according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0024]FIG. 8 is a plan view of a four foot cross tee, in partially reduced length, and likewise exhibiting the measurement indicia markings according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1, a general illustration of a drop ceiling grid structure is illustrated at 10, and which provides an environment for the application of the cross runner incorporating linear measurement indicia according to the present invention, and as will be subsequently described in more detail. As previously explained, a coded marking system is employed with the main runners in the grid system and to ensure proper alignment of pluralities of cross runners 12, 12′, 12″, et. seq., 14, 14′, 14″, et. seq., 16, 16′ and 16″, et. seq., with respect to parallel spaced apart main runners 18, 20, 22, et. seq.

[0026] The marking system as set forth in FIGS. 1-5 ensures that the pluralities of cross runners 12, 14, 16 are properly located before being engaged between the main runners 18, 20, 22 at specified locations and over long running lengths of the main runners. As will be further described with reference to FIGS. 6-8, it is understood that the indicia coding system of the cross runners, forming the instant invention, may be utilized with a coded marking and matching system such as is herein disclosed (FIGS. 1-5) with reference to the main grid runners. Alternatively, the measurement indicia system of the cross runners can be applied separately to any conventional type of suspended grid structure, regardless of whether it discloses any type of matching or coding system for the linear establishment and engagement of cross runners between selected and spaced apart main runners.

[0027] Referring now to FIG. 2, a partial view is illustrated of selected main runner 18 illustrated in exploded fashion with corresponding and cross wise extending runners 12 and 12′ & 14 and 14′. While only a portion of the overall grid structure is illustrated, it is also understood that each and every of the spaced apart and parallel extending main runners and interengaging cross runners are constructed in substantially identical fashion. Accordingly, a repetitive description of each and every main runner and cross runner is not necessary for purposes of this description.

[0028] The main runner 18 is constructed as an elongate extending member and includes, in cross section, a tile support lip 24 and a web 26 extending from a substantial midpoint of the lip 24. The lip 24, as is well understood and which can also be viewed from FIG. 1, provides a ledge support surface to the extending edges of ceiling tiles, and which are representatively illustrated at 28 in FIG. 1. Referring again to FIG. 2, the web 26 of the main runner 18 extends substantially upwardly from the tile support lip 24 and terminates in a thickened upper edge 30. The main and cross runners are both preferably constructed from planar shaped blanks of aluminum or like material and it is understood that the thickened upper edges (again shown at 30) may be provided by an extending portion of that blank which is folded over. It is further desirous to strengthen the main runner 18 from both cantilever and torsional forces over an axial direction, and this is provided in large part by the cross sectional configuration of the web 26 with enlarged upper edge 30.

[0029] A plurality of elongated channels 32, 34, 36, 38, et. seq., are formed through first and second opposite faces 40 and 42 of the main runner 18 (see again FIG. 2) and at axially spaced apart intervals between first and second ends of the selected runner 18. The particular configuration of the channels 32, 34, 36, 38, et., seq., is within the discretion of the individual skilled in the art, however it is contemplated that the channels will each include a substantially enlarged or diamond-shaped configuration as is clearly illustrated. The purpose of the channel configurations further being to facilitate insertion and engagement of the cross runners with the main runner and as will be further described. It is further contemplated that the channels are incrementally formed at six inch increments along the axially extending length of the main runner, however it is also contemplated that other incremental spacings, such a foot apart, can be employed and without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0030] The main runner 18 is suspended from a ceiling (not shown) of the interior enclosure by hanger wires, see by example at 44, which extend through a selected one 46 of a plurality of apertures formed through the web 26 of the main runner 18 and at spaced apart intervals along its axially extending length. Referring again to the drawing FIGS., the apertures are typically formed in pairs 46 in spaced fashion and corresponding to the arrangement of the channels 32, 34, 36, 38, et. seq., along the main runner. It is further contemplated that other structure can be employed for suspending the runners from the ceiling and without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0031] Referring again to FIG. 2, the selected pluralities 12, 12′ and 14, 14′ of cross runners are illustrated, in reduced length for ease of presentation, and which interengage within selected apertures of the corresponding main runner 18. For purposes of ease in explanation, the cross runners are all identically constructed in cross section. Accordingly, and for explanatory purposes, the description shall be limited to selected cross member 14, which is illustrated in reduced length fashion. A further description of the linear measurement system incorporated into the cross members, and forming a part of the present invention, will be reserved to the subsequent description of FIGS. 6-8.

[0032] Referring again to FIG. 2, cross member 14 includes a tile support lip 48, similar in construction to the corresponding support lip 24 of the main runner 18, and so that, upon interengaging the cross runners with the main runner, creates a continuous and rectangular extending edge for supporting the edges of the ceiling tiles 28. The cross members, again representatively illustrated by cross member 14, each include a web 50 extending upwardly from a substantial midpoint of the tile support lip 48 and terminating in an enlarged or thickened upper edge 52 provided for substantially the same purposes of the thickened upper edge 30 of the afore-described main runner 18, e.g., that being to counteract bending and torsional forces along an axially extending length of each of the cross runners.

[0033] First and second connector clips 54 and 56 extend from first and second associated ends of each of the cross runners (e.g., cross runner 14). The connector clips 54 and 56 are typically secured to the opposite ends of the runner 14 by conventional means, such as rivets, and are further configured so that a selected and elongated channel (e.g., channels 32 and 36) is engaged by a single connector clip from one side, and/or opposing connector clips (see again 56 for cross runner 14 and 56 for cross runner 12). It is also contemplated that additional connector clips (not shown) are secured to extending ends of the main runners 18, 20, 22, et. seq. and so that the grid structure can be secure against wall edge locations of the room enclosure.

[0034] In one preferred configuration, each of the connector clips 54, 56, 58, et. seq., includes an outwardly flared tab portion, reference being made to flared portions 60, 62, 64, et. seq., and corresponding to clips 54, 56, 58, et. seq., respectively. The provision of the outwardly flared tab portions causes the connector clips to abut against an associated side edge of each elongated channel and to thereby prevent inadvertent disengagement of the cross runner(s) from the interengaged main runner. Particular attention is drawn to the elongated channels 32 and 36, each of which exhibit the enlarged or diamond-shaped configurations which permit opposing connector clips of pairs of cross runners 12, 14 and 12′, 14′ to engage therethrough.

[0035] Referring again to FIG. 2, as well as to FIGS. 3 and 4, a marking indicia is illustrated which is applied to selected channels of the main runners (again referenced by main runner 18) and which identifies proper location of the cross runners prior to engagement of the connector clips within said main runner channels. Specifically, and referencing FIG. 3, an illustration is shown of the first side 40 of the selected main runner 18 and which includes color coded channels according to a plurality of colored indicia. Specifically, channels 36 and 38 are represented and further channels 66, 68, 70, 72, 74, 76, 78, et. seq., are shown in progression.

[0036] Further illustrated are first 80, second 82, third 84 and fourth 86 selected color indicia and which correspond to selected and alternating channels 36, 66, 70 and 74. The indicia scheme presented typically repeats and a succeeding first color indicia is further shown at 88 for channel 78. The colors selected are within the discretion of one skilled in the art and one suggested applications contemplates blue 80, red 82, black 84 and white 86 (repeating again with blue 88 at channel 78). It is further contemplated that each color indicia is applied by a painting application. Referring further to a modified main runner 18′, an alternative scheme is shown in which each color indicia is provided in the form of an adhesive appliqué and which is illustrated by appliqués 90 and 92 which are adhesively secured to apertures 94 and 96.

[0037] Referring again to FIG. 4, the reverse side 42 of the main runner 18 is illustrated and in which the color indicia has been offset, or shifted, relative to the channels. Specifically, white 98 coincides with channel 38, black 100 with channel 68, red 102 with channel 72 and, finally, blue 104 with channel 76. The purpose of the marking indicia provided upon both sides of the main runners in offsetting fashion is so that differing lineal standards may, at the election of the user, be employed on either side of the main runners and at the election of the user.

[0038] In any application, the marking indicia provides the user the ability to measure a correct lineal footage for spacing the engageable cross members. For example, cross members may be installed at every blue, red, black or white indicia marked channel. In the preferred example, the matching indicia are spaced at four foot increments to correspond with the sizing of the ceiling tiles and or light panels which are installed within the grid structure. The user may also choose to employ a different spacing standard on the reverse face of the main runner and which takes advantage of the offsetting pattern of the marking indicia.

[0039] Referring now to FIG. 6, a system is disclosed at 106 for providing faster and more efficient measurement and installation of cross runners with respect to a selected main runner and a spaced and parallel extending wall angle secured to selected wall surface locations within a room enclosure supporting the grid structure. Specifically, and as previously described the measurement system according to the present invention enables quick and efficient measurement of a remaining distance between an outer-most extending main runner and an associated wall angle and installation of the cross runner, or cross tee, upon establishing the remaining lineal distance.

[0040] A cross member 108 is illustrated and which is structurally substantially identical to the cross members previously described as 12, 12′ & 14, 14′. The cross member 108 includes such features as tile support lip 110, web 112 with thickened upper edge 114, and connector clips, referenced in FIG. 6 by connector clip 116. Arranged at an opposite end of the cross member 108 is a sectioned end 118 (in which the associated connector clip has been removed), the purpose for which will be described in additional detail.

[0041] A selected main runner is again referenced at 18 and includes tile support lip 24, first and second opposite faces 40 and 42, thickened upper edge 30 and elongated channel 32 (about which is illustrated a marking indicia as described throughout FIGS. 1-5). Also illustrated in FIG. 6, is a wall angle 120, forming one of a plurality of interconnecting wall angles secured to selected surfaces of said walled enclosure (not shown). Each of the wall angles has an elongated body which includes, in cross section, a first side 122 and a second side 124 extending from an interconnecting edge with said first side 122.

[0042] As has also been previously described, and in view of the desire to center the main runners, to the extent possible, from the center of the room, it is predictable that the outer most or peripheral locations of the grid structure will yield opposite, and desiredly comparable, dimensions which are less than the standard two foot or four foot running lengths of the cross members employed within the grid structure. Heretofore, a shortcoming in the prior art has been the expenditure of valuable time, particularly on the part of the professional installer, to correctly measure and then section portions of each of individual cross runners, in succession, and prior to installation between the selected main runner and wall angle.

[0043] The measurement indicia markings applied onto the cross runners enable the user to locate the cross runner 108 in extending proximity between the main runner 18 and the spaced apart and wall angle 120 and to quickly determine, typically within {fraction (1/16)}″, the correct lineal distance between the runner 18 and wall angle 120. Such measurement is accomplished without the need for a standard tape measure and, due to the rigidity and availability of the cross runner 108, the measurement and installation of the runner 108 is accomplished in reduced time.

[0044] As further previously described, a conventional pair of aviation snips (not shown) or other suitable cutting tool, is employed to section an end portion from the cross runner 108, and such as is exhibited by sectioned end 118. A plurality of indicia markings 126 and 128 are provided at spaced increments along the web 112 of the cross runner 108, and facilitate accurate and efficient measurement and sectioning of an extending end portion of the runner 108 which exceeds the linear distance between the main runner 18 and wall angle 120. The end portion is not shown in the illustration of FIG. 6, but is understood to represent the portion of the cross runner 108 which would otherwise extend beyond the sectioned end 118.

[0045] Referring now to FIGS. 7 and 8, plan views are illustrated of both two foot and four foot cross tees or runners exhibiting measurement indicia markings according to the preferred embodiment of the present invention. Referring first to FIG. 7, a plan view 130 is shown of a two foot runner, constructed substantially as previously described and again including a tile support lip 132, web 134 with thickened upper edge 136, and connector clips 138 and 140 extending from the opposite ends of the runner 130.

[0046] Linear measurement indicia is indicated by a first linear marking 142 at a center point of the cross runner 130. Additional linear marking extend from the center point, at equidistant intervals towards the first and second ends of the cross runner 130 and marking indicia at six inch intervals 144 and 146 towards the first and second ends, respectively. Still additional linear indicia markings are provided at subdivided three-inch intervals and include markings at intervals 148 and 150 (between center marking 142 and connector end 138) as well as at intervals 152 and 154 (between center marking 142 and connector end 140). In the majority of measurement and installation applications, it has been found that the quickest and most accurate measurements are taken from the center point marking 142 of the cross runner 130 and prior to installation in a manner such as is illustrated in FIG. 6.

[0047] Referring finally to FIG. 8, a plan view 156 is shown of a four foot runner, in partially reduced length and constructed substantially as previously described with tile support lip 158, web 160 with thickened upper edge 162, and connector clips 164 and 166 extending from the opposite ends of the runner 156. Linear measurement indicia is indicated (similarly to that illustrated in the two foot runner 130 of FIG. 7) and includes a first linear marking 168 at a center point of the cross runner 156.

[0048] Additional linear markings extend from the center point marking 168, at equidistant intervals towards the first end of the cross runner 156, and include marking indicia at six inch intervals 170, 172 and 174 towards the first end of the runner 156 corresponding to the connector clip 164. Still additional linear indicia markings are provided at subdivided three-inch intervals, extending between the center marking 168 and connector clip 164, and include markings at intervals 176 (between center marking 168 and six inch marking 170), at 178 (between six inch intervals 170 and 172), at 180 (between six inch intervals 172 and 174) and at 182 (between six inch interval 174 and connector clip 164). The four foot runner 156 is illustrated in reduced section between center marking 168 and the opposite and second end (connector clip 166) however it is understood that the application of the four foot runner 156 is substantially identical to that of its two foot counterpart 130 and is dictated only by the standard two foot or four foot application of the suspended grid structure.

[0049] Accordingly, the present invention discloses a novel and useful measurement indicia system for use with two foot and four foot cross tees, and for reducing the time and effort required by the installer in the linear measurement, end sectioning and installation of the cross runners between the selected main runner and associated wall angle. Another advantage provided by the present invention is the ability to quickly determine a correct linear measurement and to section off the excess length of each succeeding cross member, utilizing the measurement scheme placed upon each of the cross members, and once an initial measurement is taken with a first cross member and that member installed.

[0050] Additional preferred applications will become apparent to those skilled in the art to which it pertains and without deviating from the scope of the appended claims. 

We claim:
 1. A measurement system incorporated into a cross runner for use in a suspended grid structure extending within a walled enclosure, the grid structure supporting a plurality of ceiling tiles, said system comprising: a plurality of main runners and means for suspending said main runners from a ceiling in parallel, spaced apart and elongated extending fashion, each of said main runners defining, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending from said support lip, a plurality of elongated channels being formed through first and second opposite faces of said web at axially spaced apart intervals and between a first end and a second end; a plurality of interconnecting wall angles secured to selected surfaces of said walled enclosure, each of said wall angles having an elongated body which includes, in cross section, a first side and a second side extending from an interconnecting edge with said first side; a plurality of cross runners extending between a selected wall angle and a selected main runner, each of said cross runners defining, in cross section, a tile support lip and a web extending in substantially perpendicular fashion from a midpoint of said support lip, at least one of first and second connector clips extending from associated first and second ends of each of said cross runners; and a measurement indicia applied at selected intervals along each of said cross runners and being capable of identifying, upon positioning of said cross runner, a correct linear and measured distance between said selected main runner and said wall angle and which is less than an overall length of said cross runner, an end portion of said cross runner capable of being sectioned prior to inserting engagement of a selected and remaining connector clip with said selected main runner and abutting engagement of said sectioned end portion with said wall angle.
 2. The measurement system as described in claim 1, said marking indicia further comprising a first linear marking at a center point of each of said cross runners, at least one additional linear marking extending from said center point and at equidistant locations towards said first and second ends of said cross runner.
 3. The measurement system as described in claim 2, said additional linear markings further comprising marking indicia at six inch intervals towards said first and second ends of said cross runner.
 4. The marking system as described in claim 2, said additional linear markings further comprising marking indicia at three inch intervals towards said first and second ends.
 5. The marking system as described in claim 1, each of said connector clips further comprising an outwardly flared tab portion abutting against an associated side edge of said associated elongated channel of said main runner and preventing inadvertent disengagement of said cross runner from said interengaged main runner.
 6. The marking system as described in claim 1, said means for suspending said main runners further comprising apertures formed through each of said main runner webs, hanger wires extending from the ceiling and looping through selected ones of said apertures. 